Still, since the ceremony was held in D.C., the Prez got to hang out with Oprah and Sir Paul, in a box seat above the stage. And Chris Rock had a few quips involving Obama and Oprah. "I walk in this room, and it's an amazing feeling to look up and see the most powerful person in the world," Chris said. " ... And right next to her ... Barack Obama." Ouch! Mr. President, you have been zinged.

Chris continued with the jokes, shouting this to the audience: "OPRAH WINFREY IS SO RICH ... " There was a pause, and the crowd yelled back: " ... How rich is she?!" (We love that Chris was doing a classic comedy bit, by the way.) " ... She's so rich," Chris said, "if Oprah and Paul McCartney had sex, the SEC would have to approve it!" Okay, that's pretty good. We're not so much about the financial-based humor. But still, pretty good.

Lest we ignore the other honorees, three other artists received Kennedy awards tonight: Country singer Merle Haggard, composer Jerry Herman, and dancer and choreographer Bill T. Jones. ... Congrats to all!